|
Post by chinook on Jul 16, 2009 10:00:35 GMT -5
PA I agree with your decision to wear the robe, but are you going to wear it "regimental"?
|
|
|
Post by morgullord on Jul 16, 2009 10:06:04 GMT -5
regimental? something along the lines of a South American general's uniform?
|
|
|
Post by chinook on Jul 16, 2009 10:33:33 GMT -5
No, it is a British Army term for the way the troops from Scotland wear their kilts.
|
|
|
Post by privateatty on Jul 16, 2009 18:29:19 GMT -5
PA I agree with your decision to wear the robe, but are you going to wear it "regimental"? Ain't my decision. I'm gonna git along to get along. Keep my head low and my powder dry. Personally, I'd wear the uniform of the Waldorf Astoria doorman and demand, like pf, that they address me by "Your Excellency". ;D
|
|
|
Post by coloradoman on Jul 16, 2009 19:25:26 GMT -5
I recommend that you wear the robe. The reason has nothing to do with ALJ ego, etc. The claimant's are told they have a right to a hearing before a federal administrative law judge. They expect to go to the hearing and see what they perceive to be a real judge wearing a black robe. If you don't wear the robe, you give the impression that you are not a real judge and the claimant is left with the impression that the whole ALJ proceeding is not a real judicial decision independent of SSA.
|
|
|
Post by privateatty on Jul 16, 2009 20:13:44 GMT -5
I recommend that you wear the robe. The reason has nothing to do with ALJ ego, etc. The claimant's are told they have a right to a hearing before a federal administrative law judge. They expect to go to the hearing and see what they perceive to be a real judge wearing a black robe. If you don't wear the robe, you give the impression that you are not a real judge and the claimant is left with the impression that the whole ALJ proceeding is not a real judicial decision independent of SSA. SSA didn't hire me.
|
|
|
Post by aljsouth on Jul 16, 2009 20:26:23 GMT -5
Most offices have a local supplier of robes that will be a lot cheaper than those offered at training.
CLE: Check with you state or states of licensure. A lot of states exempt ALJ's.
|
|
|
Post by ruonthelist on Jul 16, 2009 21:24:28 GMT -5
Sunday - off the beaten path - another day in the quest to find those off beat places in D.C. Traveled off the beaten path to see the Franciscan Monastery and Basilica of the National Shrine. Just take the red line metro to Brookland/CUA exit. When you exit the station turn left then walk to michigan ave. (ask the metro agent for a local map) If you go right you will find the National Shrine. It is the largest church in the western hemisphere and the 8th largest church in the world. If you go right you will find the Franciscan Monastery. With the weekend coming some of you may be looking for sightseeing opportunities, and I have some suggestions: As runnermom says, the Basilica is beautiful, and very convenient to Metro. In a similar vein, better known but not as close to Metro, is the National Cathedral. It is a longish walk from the nearest Metro station, but you can combine a trip there with one to the National Zoo, both on the Red line in Northwest. Also reachable by Metro: Iwo Jima statue. You reach it from Rosslyn Metro. It involves walking several blocks and crossing some busy roads. If you are going by Metro I advise going early before it gets too hot and the traffic gets too heavy. Nearby is Arlington Cemetery, with its own Metro stop. The Kennedy graves, Tomb of the Unknowns, and Custis-Lee House are the biggest draws there. You can walk from the visitor center to all of them or take Tourmobile, about which more later. The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial is reachable from the Pentagon metro station, but you have to walk almost halfway around the building to get to it. Over the river in DC, there is, of course the mall. The hardest of the main attractions to reach by Metro are those on the west end, the Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam memorials. The closest Metro stop is Foggy Bottom, several blocks away. The traditional view of the Lincoln is at night, to have the true Jimmy Stewart experience, but early morning is also good, when the eastern light is shining on the statue. And, if you are making the long walk from Metro, it is not as hot in the morning. If you want to save the walk, Tourmobile is a good option. A lesser known attraction in the same area is the Albert Einstein statue at the National Academy of Science, across Const Ave from the Vietnam Memorial. It is a whimsical piece, especially popular with children. At the center of the mall area is, of course, the Washington Monument. Also the Holocaust Museum and several units of the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian and Federal Triangle Metro stops will get you to this region. If you want to go up in the W. Mon. get there early. They give out time stamped same-day tickets first thing in the morning. One person can get up to six tix, so if a group of you want to go, one of you can volunteer to get up early and shlep into town for the tickets. The volunteer, of course, accumulates good karma, and the rest of you would do well to do something nice for him or her. I leave that to your discretion. The Holocaust Museum also uses time-stamped same day tickets. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where they print money, is next door to the Holocaust Museum but, as one of the few DC tourist sites that is also an industrial plant, it is closed on weekends. If by chance you do get to tour there, be sure to ask the guides if they give free samples. It is so unusual for them to hear that question that they always get a kick out of it. At the east end of the mall is Capitol Hill, with the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress. All are well worth a visit. The new Capitol Visitor's Center makes touring the Capitol far more convenient than it was. You can reach this region from either the Capitol South or Union Station metro stations. Union Station is worth a look in its own right, as an example of the grandiloquent architecture of a century ago. It is also the site to catch several sightseeing services, including Tourmobile. TM has buses that make a loop of the mall. For a one day fare you get unlimited on and off privileges for that day. They have another route that goes through Arlington Cemetery. They are the only bus company permitted to go through the Cemetery, so if you want to see the sights there without a lot of uphill walking, TM is the way to go. Just up from the mall is the National Archives, at (as it happens) the Archives metro stop. A tip here: in summer they have extended hours, Wed-Fri until 9:00. You will probably have a much shorter wait to get in to see the Declaration, Constitution and Bill of Rights on weekday evenings than during the day on the weekend. That's all for now, will try to add more tomorrow.
|
|
|
Post by coloradoman on Jul 16, 2009 22:20:08 GMT -5
Thanks for rubbing it in private attny. Whether I was hired this round or not, I still care about the integrity of the SSA ALJ hearing process; and my comments about wearing the robe are a valid consideration.
|
|
|
Post by rhino on Jul 17, 2009 6:25:31 GMT -5
Oh, I think the robe thing shouldn't have been brought up at all AGAIN. Coloradoman, I don't think PrivateAtty was suggesting that your comments weren't valid; in fact, he seems to be a proponent of wearing the robe IN SPITE of the fact SSA didn't hire him. I thought, given his comments all taken together, that he was simply pointing out that not only would it be good for an SSA ALJ but also - perhaps - HUD, DOL, USPS, and so on. I realize SSA is the biggest employer of ALJs, but it is not the ONLY employer and maybe PA was simply pointing out that other agencies, like his, REQUIRE robes.
...I don't think they make them Rhino-size and I would have to hire a tent maker!
|
|
|
Post by morgullord on Jul 17, 2009 8:06:48 GMT -5
Coloradoman, there is a lengthy thread elsewhere on this board wherein the question of robes was sliced, diced, minced, pureed, and pulverized. My friendly suggestion is that you review the contents of that thread.
|
|
|
Post by privateatty on Jul 17, 2009 8:28:14 GMT -5
Oh, I think the robe thing shouldn't have been brought up at all AGAIN. Coloradoman, I don't think PrivateAtty was suggesting that your comments weren't valid; in fact, he seems to be a proponent of wearing the robe IN SPITE of the fact SSA didn't hire him. I thought, given his comments all taken together, that he was simply pointing out that not only would it be good for an SSA ALJ but also - perhaps - HUD, DOL, USPS, and so on. I realize SSA is the biggest employer of ALJs, but it is not the ONLY employer and maybe PA was simply pointing out that other agencies, like his, REQUIRE robes. ...I don't think they make them Rhino-size and I would have to hire a tent maker! Thank you rhino. Why wear a robe when you got armor?
|
|
|
Post by rhino on Jul 17, 2009 8:55:11 GMT -5
Coloradoman, there is a lengthy thread elsewhere on this board wherein the question of robes was sliced, diced, minced, pureed, and pulverized. My friendly suggestion is that you review the contents of that thread. See page 12 "If we SIMPLY must discuss robes again" and Page 5 "Robes With Logos"
|
|
|
Post by ruonthelist on Jul 17, 2009 18:12:47 GMT -5
DISCLAIMER THAT I SHOULD HAVE PUT IN EARLIER: I have been to some of these sites recently, and others several years ago. There may have been some changes. If you google each site you can get updated information.
On the southern part of the mall are the Jefferson and FDR memorials. There is a nice walk along the Tidal Basin between them, but neither is very close to a Metro stop. If you buy a Tourmobile ticket, get your money's worth by getting to the places that are hard to get to by Metro: Jefferson, FDR, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korea. The Smithsonian Museums are easily reached by Metro, so don't spend all day at those on a day when you are paying for Tourmobile access.
Speaking of the Smithsonian, all are good. The American History recently reopened after an extensive renovation and it is very impressive. The Air and Space is lots of fun, as is the Natural History. The American Indian museum is a few years old, very interesting, and has one of the best museum food courts available. It is fast food, but the dishes are inspired by native American cooking, so they are more of a novelty than other museum eateries.
Downtown: Ford's Theater recently reopened after a long renovation. I have not seen it since then, but heard good things about the redone museum.
The International Spy Museum and National Portrait Gallery are across the street from each other. The Spy Museum is fun, with lots of interactive stuff for kids. It is privately run and, unlike the Smithsonian museums, charges admission.
The White House. A couple of blocks from McPherson Square metro.
A couple of unconventional modes of touring: Segway: You can get in touch with your inner Paul Blart at City Segway Tours. The tour takes several hours and goes by many mall sites. Amphibious Vehicle: DC Ducks drives you around town and into the Potomac on WW2 landing craft
Out of town, you need a car: The Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the Air and Space Museum, is near Dulles Airport. Very cool aviation and space stuff. Like all units of the Smithsonian admission is free, but there is a heavy hit to park, so going in a group to share the parking fee makes the most sense.
Manassas Battlefield. Near the town of the same name. small visitor's center, with walking tour of the first battle and driving tour of the second.
Mount Vernon. Well worth the trip, however you get there. They charge admission, but parking is free. The Fairfax County bus system goes there from Metro. There are also river cruises from the SE DC waterfront to the Mt Vernon wharf. They opened a new visitor center and museum a couple of years ago. I recommend getting there early in the day (of course, I always recommend going everywhere early in the day, but that's just me) and doing the tour of the house first, before the line gets too long. Then tour the grounds as much as you care to, enjoying the spectacular view across the Potomac to Maryland, and then go back to the visitor center and museum. If you are going with kids, allow plenty of time in the Education Center.
I hope that you find some of these ideas useful. Enjoy the weekend.
RU
|
|
|
Post by Orly on Jul 18, 2009 19:01:20 GMT -5
#1 souvenir for the new ALJ Class: A cap, mug, shirt, or other item from the International Spy Museum (Chinatown stop on the Metro) in gray with the phrase in yellow letters: DENY EVERYTHING. LB, you're a riot. I'm going to go there and buy this cap in August. ;D
|
|
|
Post by justahuman on Jul 18, 2009 19:23:36 GMT -5
I hope LB doesn't wear that on the bench. It might have a tendency to scare the claimants. #1 souvenir for the new ALJ Class: A cap, mug, shirt, or other item from the International Spy Museum (Chinatown stop on the Metro) in gray with the phrase in yellow letters: DENY EVERYTHING. LB, you're a riot. I'm going to go there and buy this cap in August. ;D
|
|
|
Post by Orly on Jul 18, 2009 22:13:48 GMT -5
I hope LB doesn't wear that on the bench. It might have a tendency to scare the claimants. Humor, man, humor. Besides, the color and style of the cap doesn't coordinate with the robe. Where is that powdered wig when you need it....
|
|
|
Post by justahuman on Jul 19, 2009 0:40:48 GMT -5
Humor, man, humor. Besides, the color and style of the cap doesn't coordinate with the robe. Where is that powdered wig when you need it.... I thought I was being funny...
|
|
|
Post by Legal Beagle on Jul 19, 2009 18:36:22 GMT -5
Also at the Spy Museum was a portable lie detector that we could put in all the hearing rooms - if we could figure how to make it part of the record, that is.
|
|
|
Post by justahuman on Jul 20, 2009 5:09:49 GMT -5
Also at the Spy Museum was a portable lie detector that we could put in all the hearing rooms - if we could figure how to make it part of the record, that is. I think most good Judges are good lie detectors... so they already are in the hearing rooms....
|
|